BELL 47G 3B
Toterville, IA — July 24, 2017
Event Information
| Date | July 24, 2017 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA17CA436 |
| Event ID | 20170724X71156 |
| Location | Toterville, IA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 43.43889, -92.78222 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | BELL |
| Model | 47G 3B |
| Category | HELI |
| FAR Part | 137 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Probable Cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain rotor rpm while maneuvering at low altitude with low airspeed and a tailwind.
Full Narrative
According to the helicopter pilot, during an agricultural flight, he made a downwind turn to spray the intended field.
During the low airspeed right turn, he increased the engine power and the rotor RPM decreased.
He reported that he leveled the helicopter to clear powerline wires, but the rotor RPM remained low.
The helicopter descended, and the pilot landed the helicopter in a corn field.
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tailboom and the horizontal stabilizer.
The nearest METAR was 15 nautical miles south-southeast and reported that about the time of the accident, the wind was calm.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.